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Insights into the growth response and nitrogen accumulation and use efficiency of the Poaceae grass Brachypodium distachyon to high nitrogen availability

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Abstract

Optimization of nitrogen (N) use by grasses is a central issue of the current work. The effects of different N concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mM NH4NO3) on growth of Brachypodium distachyon were assessed on controlled hydroponic culture. Maximal growth (132% of control) was obtained at 0.5 mM NH4NO3, critical N level, and was maintained at higher N concentrations. The highest N level (5.0 mM) has a similar effect on growth as 0.5 mM NH4NO3. It has no significant effects on water status, and total and reduced N contents in shoots while, increased those in roots, compared to plants receiving 0.5 mM NH4NO3. The high N availability, however, increased nitrate contents in shoots and roots by 3- and 20-folds, respectively, compared to those of plant receiving 0.5 mM NH4NO3. In addition, high N availability reduced the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 18% compared to that of plant receiving only 0.5 NH4NO3. In view of B. distachyon productivity and environmental concerns, it is concluded that the critical level of N application should be 0.5 mM NH4NO3 and the excess fertilization led to a high nitrate accumulation.

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Abbreviations

NAE:

nitrogen absorption efficiency

NUE:

nitrogen use efficiency

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, King Khalid University, P.O. Box-9004, Abha, 61413, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Z. Barhoumi

  2. Laboratory of Extremophile Plants, Biotechnology Center of Borj Cedria, University Tunis El Manar, B.P. 901, Hammam-lif, Tunis, Tunisia

    Z. Barhoumi

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  1. Z. Barhoumi
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Barhoumi, Z. Insights into the growth response and nitrogen accumulation and use efficiency of the Poaceae grass Brachypodium distachyon to high nitrogen availability. Russ J Plant Physiol 64, 839–844 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1021443717060024

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